Spreading awareness of AMR in Bangladesh

Bridging the gap between high-level policy makers and ground-level practicioners in Bangladesh: “Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through One Health collaboration”

(Banner photo: Speakers convening the workshop for AMR awareness in Sylhet, Bangladesh)

11 Oct 2025 (Bangladesh) – A successful one-day “Regional Workshop on AMR Awareness” was held in Sylhet, Bangladesh, assembling a diverse group of One Health stakeholders. Attendees included professionals from human health, animal health (terrestrial and aquatic), environment, drug administration, and agriculture, alongside farmers, sellers, pharmaceutical representatives, and private organisations. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the grave AMR threat and foster a collaborative One Health approach. Featuring expert talks, engaging dramas, and participatory group discussions, the event culminated in a set of practical, field-based recommendations for the Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship Guideline (VAG). Crucially, the workshop successfully bridged the gap between high-level policy and on-ground practices, particularly involving field personnel and farmers.

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to global health, food security, and livestock development. Recognising the need for a multi-sectoral response, the workshop was organised to share knowledge, disseminate recent findings, and build a cohesive network to tackle AMR challenges in the Sylhet region and beyond. The event strongly emphasised the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health – the core of the One Health approach.

Proceedings of the workshop

The workshop was structured around three main components: technical presentations, innovative awareness activities, and participatory group discussions. The session was facilitated by Dr Md Junaed Kabir (ULO, Gulapganj, Sylhet) and Rahat Ara Karim (National Technical Advisor, ECTAD FAO), with Dr Tilak Chandra Nath (Chairman, Parasitology, Sylhet Agricultural University) serving as rapporteur.

Technical presentations

• Dr Md Sohel Rana, Senior Scientific Officer, DLS, Dhaka, delivered an outstanding presentation on “AMR in Animal Health,” where he comprehensively analyzed the challenges of antibiotic misuse in livestock. His talk detailed strategic pathways to combat AMR, underscoring the vital roles of preventive healthcare and responsible veterinary practices.
• Professor Dr Premananda Das, Head of Microbiology at Sylhet Osmani Medical College, presented on “AMR in Human Health,” detailing how Antimicrobial Resistance directly impedes the treatment of common infections in hospitals. He discussed the causes of resistance in clinical settings and outlined essential mitigation steps for both healthcare professionals and the general public.
• Dr Kazi Kamaruddin, AH & OH Lead, FFCGB, illuminated the “Scenario of Antimicrobial Usages in Livestock” by presenting recent data and findings from the Fleming Fund. His presentation was valuable for establishing the national context of current antibiotic consumption patterns and their connection to resistance.
• Dr Sultan Ahmed, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology at Sylhet Agricultural University offered a unique perspective with his presentation on “AMR in Wildlife.” He led a detailed discussion on the often-overlooked role of wild animals as reservoirs and vectors for resistant bacteria, thereby highlighting the environmental dimension of AMR.
• Dr Md Habibur Rahman, National AMR MPTF Consultant for Bangladesh, WOAH, presented on the “Role of stakeholders involved in veterinary antimicrobial stewardship,” focusing on progressively reducing AMR risks nationwide. He then engaged participants in a discussion about how international organizations can best support and strengthen national and regional AMR surveillance and control networks.
• Dr Md Abu Sufiun, Director General of DLS, led a highly interactive Participatory Briefing on AMU in Farms. He directly engaged with poultry and dairy farmers, pharmaceutical representatives, and pharmacy association members. The session focused on the current Antimicrobial Use (AMU) situation in farming, heavily emphasizing the feasibility and benefits of raising animals with minimal or no antibiotics.

Key Outcomes and Recommendations

The group discussions yielded a consensus on several key recommendations:

• Promote alternative farming practices by offering training on how to achieve antibiotic-free livestock production through improved biosecurity, better nutrition, and the strategic use of vaccines and probiotics.
• Strengthen farmer education by developing continuous and accessible awareness campaigns and training programs. These initiatives should highlight the economic and health benefits of using antibiotics responsibly.
• Advocate for stricter enforcement of regulations controlling the sale and use of antibiotics across the veterinary and agricultural sectors.
• Improve diagnostics by promoting the use of rapid and affordable diagnostic tests. This will ensure that antibiotics are used only when absolutely necessary.
• Enhance cross-sectoral collaboration by establishing formal channels for regular communication and data sharing among the human health, animal health, and environmental sectors.
• Scale up public awareness by utilizing innovative tools such as drama and community radio. These efforts will educate the general public on AMR and stress the importance of completing prescribed antibiotic courses.

Conclusion

The Regional Workshop on AMR Awareness in Sylhet proved to be a significant step toward forging a resilient, multi-sectoral alliance against Antimicrobial Resistance. By effectively merging expert knowledge, grassroots insights, and innovative communication, the event successfully highlighted the urgent AMR threat and the power of collective action. The resulting recommendations offer a clear roadmap for stakeholders to implement tangible solutions and ensure the future effectiveness of antimicrobials.